AutismAssessments

Stephanie adopts a comprehensive Gold-Standard Evidence-Based approach to the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, based on diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

Information about an individual's social, emotional and social-communication strengths and weaknesses are collected across different domains.

Assessment Process

When assessing children, a thorough developmental history is taken with parents to understand parent concerns and social-emotional strengths and challenges. Stephanie may also conduct school visits and liaise with teachers to develop a well-rounded understanding of a child's social-emotional difficulties in the classroom. Stephanie is available to provide follow-up support, interventions and classroom strategies if required.

An optional cognitive assessment provides valuable information about an individual's performance on tests of Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Visual-Spatial Processing, Working Memory and Processing Speed. This information assists with understanding an individual's overall development in relation to their social-emotional and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The results of a cognitive assessment can be useful for school funding and assisting your child with accessing in-school support.

Should a school visit be required, Stephanie will meet with teachers and conduct an informal school observation to gain additional information about a child's behaviours in the school context. Alternatively, discussions with school teachers provide helpful information about a child's behaviour at school if required as part of the assessment process.

Following the assessment process, a comprehensive assessment report is provided and discussed in detail, including recommendations for home and school to support an individual's overall development.

Should you wish to discuss how an Autism Assessment can assistyou or your child,contact Stephanie for more information.